mettlesome

adjective

ˈme-tᵊl-səm How to pronounce mettlesome (audio)
Definition of mettlesomenext
1
as in energetic
having much high-spirited energy and movement the mettlesome opening dance number got the audience all jazzed up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spirited
marked by a lively display of strong feeling a mettlesome debate on the teaching of evolution in the schools

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mettlesome He may have been provoked into battle by the ruler of Cebu, who was using Magellan’s troops to rid himself of a mettlesome chieftain known to raid the trade ships that navigated the waters in and around the islands. — Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome
  1. energetic
  2. spirited
  3. animated
  4. fiery
  5. lively
  6. spunky
  7. animate
  8. brisk
Adjective
  • In the current Mexican scene, Emjay is one of the best live performers, known for her energetic and emotional shows.
    — Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026
  • This is the most energetic and exciting premiere of Survivor in a long time.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of energetic
Adjective
  • Following the detailed introductions and screenings, students get to interact with Isaacs and each other in an often-spirited critique-discussion.
    — Norma A. Orovitz, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Kelly and her daughters are sideline staples at games, often sharing hugs with the Rams quarterback before kickoff while sporting spirited outfits.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of spirited
Adjective
  • But that’s all to the good for this rare example of original animated storytelling in a sea of IP and sequels.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Both players are intense and animated competitors, and their fan bases' are fiercely loyal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of animated
Adjective
  • Big emotional moments are punctuated by striking shots of fiery, mountainside sunsets and comforting, homestead greenery.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Video from the scene shows Linton’s vehicle flying into the intersection like a missile, causing a fiery multi-car collision that left burning car parts and streaks of blood as black smoke filled the sky.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of fiery
Adjective
  • Mercury in your sign squares Mars in your 10th House, putting your voice, identity, and public responsibilities into a lively tug-of-war.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Each Lucas Duplan set will feature songs crafted to satisfy Miami’s appetite for electronic music and a lively nightlife.
    — William Jones, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of lively
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Susan was a spunky fan favorite on the inaugural Golden Bachelor season.
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The mop-haired actor plays Joey, a spunky boy onboard who bonds with Maddie over having absent parents in the military.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of spunky
Adjective
  • To imagine the natural world not as a passive resource but as an animate collaborator would be to reorder more than aesthetic categories, demanding another relation to our environment.
    — Tara Anne Dalbow, ARTnews.com, 29 May 2026
  • Zugunruhe is the itinerant desire of any animate being to keep moving and growing.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 6 May 2026
Definition of animate
Adjective
  • Fall’s brisk weather brings with it the promise of cozy knitwear, cashmere socks, and roaring fires—perhaps the only downside is that the grey skies exacerbate the our considerable vitamin D deficiency.
    — Violet Hayward, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Someone could take a brisk walk, climb stairs or use a stationary bike.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of brisk

Browse Nearby Words

mettle
mettlesome
mew
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Cite this Entry

“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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